Scyphocrinites elegans (Zenker, 1833)
Era: Paleozoic
Period: Upper Silurian (~420 M.a.)
Origin: Boutschrafin, Erfoud (Morocco)
Coordinates: 31°23'49.7"N 4°08'43.7"W
Measurements: 168 x 102 x 19 mm / 6,61 x 4,01 x 0,75"
Peso: 445 g  / 0,982 lb
Description: Magnificent specimen of Scyphocrinites cf. elegans crinoid with 3D calyx and preparation made by professional hands.


Scyphocrinites is a genus of crinoid that lived from the Late Silurian to the Early Devonian. Its fossils have been found in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa. Instead of being anchored to the seafloor like most crinoids, Scyphocrinites possessed a lobolith, a buoyant structure that kept it afloat in the water. Unlike other crinoids, Scyphocrinites floated upside down on the surface.


The process of extracting these fossils is extremely complex and dangerous. This stratum lies 5 meters below the surface, and the prospectors dig shafts by hand. The terrain's topography makes the use of excavators impossible. If they are lucky and reach a good stratum at the bottom of the shaft, fragments between 5 and 15 cm thick can be recovered and brought to the surface for later reassembly in the workshop. Several days of work with precision tools and various chemicals, such as caustic potash and acetic acid, are necessary to achieve this result.


You will find all the information regarding the process of searching for and cleaning this plate, as well as photographs, in our entry on the Scyphocrinites elegans Blog: https://www.toptrilos.com/en/post/scyphocrinites-elegans-1


This piece will travel insured in a safety package to arrive in perfect condition.